"A madhouse" is how Emanuel Sluis of the Dutch trading platform Service2Fruit describes the way the pear market is currently developing. "Up to €1.25 is being paid on the daily market; that's certainly unusual. There are pears in long storage and off-the-tree buyers who took positions at the start of the season," he says.
"Those, undoubtedly, have an expensive supply. This price increase benefits only a small part of the market and no one who took advantage of the €0.80 to €1.25 price increase will complain. Still, it's quite hard for traders to pass those prices on to the daily market."
"Retail demand for pears continues well, despite the price increase. That keeps traders looking for pears in the free market," Emanuel says.
"Quality-wise, the pears look good. Their base color's fading slightly, but the pears are still firm and tasty. That high demand means the color isn't such a problem."
"When there are a few too many pears, every flaw becomes an issue," explains Emanuel. "But in a demand-driven market that's usually not the case."
Though apples lag behind pears this season, he expects Elstar stocks to run out. "That's not resulting in top prices right away, but it's paying off. Jonagold-like varieties sales in the day market aren't yet falling, but in time - July and August - serious money will be made for Red Prince and Jonagold. This season's cold weather also works in our favor, and the market will have to be filled with the old crop for an extra week or two," Emanuel concludes.
For more information:
Emanuel Sluis
Service2Fruit
15A De Ooyen
4191 PB, Geldermalsen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 885 321 300
Email: info@service2fruit.com
Website: www.service2fruit.com